Description

The Buffalo nickel or Indian  Head nickel is arguably one of the most popular and recognizable coins ever struck by the U.S. Mint.  It was designed by sculptor James Earl Fraser, and struck from 1913 to 1938.

In 1911, the decision was made to replace the Charles E. Barber’s Liberty Head design for the nickel, and James Earl Fraser was commissioned to do the work.  The Taft administration officials were impressed with the work.  The designs were approved in 1912, but were delayed by several months because of an objection of the Hobbs Manufacturing Company, a company that made mechanisms to detect slugs in nickel-operated vending machines.  Finally, in February 1913, Treasury Secretary Franklin MacVeagh made the decision to issue the coins despite the objection.

• Contains 1 oz. Troy of .999 Fine Silver
• Obverse: Right-facing head of a Native American, with the word “LIBERTY” in the outer circumference at approximately two o’clock, and the date on the lower left.
• Reverse: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the top of the outer circumference, with the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” below “AMERICA,”  above a high-relief depiction of the American Bison.  “ONE TROY OUNCE” centered below the bison, with the Mint Mark and Hallmark below.